Jerry had been quiet and moody -- more moody than usual -- over the past few weeks. “What’s bothering you?” Joey asked.
“I’ve been thinking. Thinking about what that preacher said. Thinking maybe we should join him. What happened to us shouldn’t happen. We should try to stop it.”
Snakefoot/Stalwart had been active in the community, making speeches, recruiting, appearing on radio and TV talk shows. His fiery brand of rhetoric created quite a stir. Many pro-life advocates were drawn to him. His name became anathema in pro-choice circles.
The twins began following him. They naturally attracted attention to themselves. At one event, a very pretty brunette approached Joey. “I’ve noticed you at several of Bill’s appearances,” she said. “You seem less enthusiastic than your brother.”
Jerry turned around sharply. “We are always together. -- In more ways than one,” he said sharply.
“I didn’t mean to imply anything,” the girl said. “My name’s Ruth. What’s yours?”
“Joey.”
“Jerry.”
“What do you think of Bill?” she asked.
“We’re interested,” Jerry said.
“I think he’s wonderful,” Ruth gushed. “So giving. So dedicated. Do you know anything about his mission?”
“Anti-abortion? I should think so. We were aborted,” Jerry said.
Ruth gasped, “Oh my g… Oh my goodness! Is that what caused? Is that what…”
Joey and Jerry gave a brief, cold nod.
“Oh my g.. goodness,” Ruth repeated. “You must come and meet Bill!” She grabbed Joey by the arm and pulled the twins in the direction of the outdoor stage. They maneuvered through the crowd around behind the stage. When Snakefoot/Stalwart finished his speech, he turned and headed down the steps. Ruth brought the twins to meet him.
“Bill,” she said. “I’ve got someone you’ve got to meet! These gentlemen are victims of abortion!”
“Really!” Snakefoot/Stalwart was interested. “Tell me your story, gentlemen.”
“Not much to tell,” Jerry said. Our mom tried to have us aborted. We survived.”
“Yes. I see the scars -- physical and mental,” Snakefoot/Stalwart commiserated. “We need you. Will you join us? You can help, better than anyone, to expose the horrors of abortion.”
“What would we have to do?” Jerry asked.
“Come with us. Tell your story,” Snakefoot/Stalwart said.
“I don’t know,” Joey said. “We’ve never been interested in publicity. We prefer our privacy.”
“I know it will require courage and dedication on your part,” Snakefoot/Stalwart said. “You have to decide if you are willing to pay the price.”
“We’ll let you know,” the twins said.
Ruth left with the twins. They did not see her wink at Snakefoot/Stalwart. “I can’t tell you how much I admire your courage,” Ruth told Joey. “Many would not think of coming forward, making a public spectacle of themselves, in order to save countless millions of innocent babes.”
“We haven’t decided yet,” Joey said.
“I know, but …” Ruth smiled broadly. “I have a feeling. I can feel your character, your bravery, your commitment.” Ruth leaned in close to Joey and kissed him; at first on the cheek, sliding around to his mouth as she embraced him. She sighed and held her body tightly to Joey’s. Jerry smiled and looked away.
“Tell me all about yourself -- selves,” Ruth said. “You’re so exciting! I can’t imagine being that close to anyone.”
For the umpteenth time, Joey said, “He’s always there when I need a helping hand.” Ruth smiled and held Joey’s hand.
“What do you do when the two of you disagree on something?” she asked.
“He’s my brother,” Joey said. “I’d follow him anywhere.” Ruth laughed gaily at Joey’s wit.
“How do you arrive at decisions though?” she persisted.
“We have no problem. Two heads are better than one,” Joey said. Ruth laughed even louder. “You are so cute!” she said.
Ruth didn’t want the evening to end. The three went out to dinner, enjoying drinks and each other’s company. “We should be getting back to the dorm,” Joey finally said.
“Oh, no. Come home with me,” Ruth pleaded. “I want to talk some more.” She pressed Joey’s hand.
Ruth’s apartment was comfortable but not lavish. She made the twins some more drinks. She prodded Joey to tell her more. He told her about the close calls with the bear and snake, the snowstorm and pneumonia. “We don’t remember all of it exactly,” Joey said. “We just know what Mom told us.”
“You’ve really been through a lot,” Ruth sighed. She held Joey close. “I’m feeling a little woozy,” she said. She kissed Joey full on the lips and fumbled with his clothes. She led the twins to her bed, slipped off her dress and pulled Joey after her. He did not feel her talons and scales.
---
For the next several months the twins toured with Snakefoot/Stalwart as the star attraction of the show. At the end of Snakefoot/Stalwart’s emotional speech, he would turn and shout, “...and now see the evil face of the abortion industry!” The crowd would swoon and sob upon seeing the twins.
The twins had left the Salvation Army and got their own apartment. They were receiving a modest salary from Snakefoot/Stalwart’s foundation. Ruth was constantly by their side.
After one particularly emotional performance, Snakefoot/Stalwart pulled the twins aside. “It’s not enough,” Snakefoot/Stalwart said. “The killers are malicious, brutal, bloodthirsty animals. We’re in a war, but only one side is fighting. What’s the casualty list? Take a look -- millions upon millions to nothing -- well, practically nothing. They’ve got to learn there’s a price to pay. They cannot go on killing with impunity. They’ve got to suffer real consequences; real losses.”
Jerry was intrigued. “What do you suggest?”
“I have connections,” Snakefoot/Stalwart said. “You have more reason than most to want to strike a blow for our side. I can put you in touch with the right people.”
“What’s the plan?” Jerry asked.
“A bomb. They’ve got to take casualties,” Snakefoot/Stalwart said.
“I don’t know,” Joey said.
“We’re in,” Jerry said.
---
That night in bed, after Joey and Ruth were finished, Jerry pulled Ruth to himself. “What are you doing?” Ruth asked. “It’s like my dear brother says,” Jerry answered. “Two heads are better than one.” Ruth giggled.
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